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Sunset Snowy
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Sunset Snowy

by Rob Graham

Gallery: AvianPosted January 8, 2012248 views5 comments
I took this Saturday evening at Cheyenne Bottoms, central Kansas. Northeast Kansas is getting most of our Snowy Owls, so I was glad when this one showed up. I first photographed it shortly before noon, and then went back late in the afternoon. The owl apparently spent the whole day on this duck/goose blind. The blinds are the most common perch when a Snowy Owl visits the area. This was taken right at sunset. I worked my way through the mud and managed to circle around just enough to get some side light. I couldn't get any closer because the owl started to get twitchy and I didn't want to further stress it. 7D, ISO 400, f/8, 1/100, 456mm with ~50% crop.

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Ron Dudley on January 8, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Perhaps the most unique perch I've ever seen a snowy on. The bird looks good in the larger version.
Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments
Comment posted by Terry Sohl on January 9, 2012 at 8:19 AM
Man, when they build a blind in Kansas, they build them to last!! Congrats on getting the capture. I really like the warm light, and you did a nice job with the composition with the perch. I like the strip of grass on the bottom.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments
Comment posted by Roman Kurywczak on January 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Hey Rob,
I'm not the biggest fan of the perch.....even though that is where it landed. I hope to be fortunate enough to get one of these guys for my list one day.....so happy dontinued hunting!
Registered on November 20, 2009, 56 Posts, 748 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 9, 2012 at 3:30 PM
Nice job in approaching this and knowing when to stay put, I like seeing the back light on the owl and would love to see one of these.
Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments
Comment posted by Robert Bunch on January 9, 2012 at 3:50 PM
I like the light, the pose and of course the bird but I would have preferred another perch but you take what you are given in nature photography. I sure wouldn't have rejected this shot because of the perch if I had been there.
Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments